IHT Stewardship Chair Ann Hooke shows her glee with the
opening
of Scott's Landing in August. (Photo by Mac Herrling)

A large crowd
turned out for the Scott’s Landing Grand Opening August
5 three years after the campaign began to purchase one of the
last unspoiled shore
land parcels on Deer Isle. Ciona Ulbrich of Maine Coast Heritage Trust and
IHT President Bill Haviland untied the symbolic ribbon with over
50 people in attendance
including young and old, new and long-time islanders. The 22-acre parcel was
sold by Nathan and Ellen Pitts to the MCHT in early 2006 after a collaborative
campaign between the two organizations. MCHT then deeded the property to IHT.
In anticipation of long term stewardship costs, MCHT, the statewide land conservation
organization, sold a two-acre parcel to fund endowment and ongoing stewardship
costs. Teamed up with the four-acre parcel purchased separately by IHT in 2004,
the Preserve now encompasses 24 acres of shoreline, beaches, nature trails,
historic sites, and wildlife habitat.

IHT published a Scott’s Landing brochure and a Scott’s Landing History
brochure that are available at the brand-new kiosk at the Preserve entrance opposite
Causeway Beach. The kiosk was designed by Don Reiman and constructed by Ann and
Roger Hooke, Joe Dorr, Jim White, Steve Whitney, and Steve Rowan.

Hundreds of donors and supporters contributed almost a million dollars to purchase
the land with an anonymous donor closing the gap at the last minute through MCHT
to complete the sale.

The Preserve is open to the public during day time hours for picnicking, trail
hiking, and swimming. There are unusual plants that are listed on the back of
the kiosk. Sandy and rocky beaches offer visitors a chance to explore the shore.
The trails are marked with signs showing the location of the original ferry boat
buildings and the Scott family barn and other historic features.

There was an archaeological dig in June directed by archaeologist Steve Cox with
a team of amateur archaeologists and community members who signed up to participate
in the five day dig. He and IHT President and anthropologist Bill Haviland will
present a Talk on the findings in the fall. Check the web site and newspapers
for date and time.